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25 Most Affordable Online Masters in Public Health Degrees

25 MOST AFFORDABLE ONLINE MASTERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH DEGREES

The history of public health in the U.S. dates to the late 18th century with the establishment of a home for aging seamen; although, the concern for managing and containing community diseases and health dates to the early days of Greece. Today, the role of the public health professional holds a specialized, scientific and vital role in the general health of communities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job prospects for public health professionals is growing at a rapid 17% rate during the period from 2014-2024. These professionals work in hospitals and government agencies and have an earning capability ranging from $56,970 to $172,240 with a national average of $96,540.

Best Medical Degrees has researched online Masters of Public Health degrees based on program accreditation, tuition cost, length of program and rankings and ratings achieved.

Costs
This ranking cites base tuition costs per credit hour and program length. Frequently, schools have additional fees that are often added based on number of credit hours taken or other factors; however, some online programs waive those fees for their distance students.

Employee Tuition Reimbursement
If you are currently working in healthcare, frequently employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees advancing their education which will benefit the hospital, agency or business. You may want to check with your Human Resources department to see if this is an option for you.

Financial Assistance
Applying for a graduate student loan, will require the filing of a Federal Student Aid form offered online. Some schools in this ranking offer scholarship opportunities Public health graduate students. Information on those opportunities are typically listed on the program webpage or the Financial Aid Office website for the school.

Veterans, Active Military, Spouses and Dependents
Several schools provide tuition discounts for active or retired military personnel. Again, that information will be available on the school’s website.

Accreditation and Certification
Public Health program accreditation is overseen by the Counsel on Education for Public Health (CEPH) which recognizes programs meeting educational criteria and meets accreditation standards for both campus and online programs. This ranking reviewed the CEPH accredited programs as listed on the CEPH webpage. Not all the programs on the CEPH list are online programs, but the listing provided by Best Medical Center are offered as either online or hybrid programs.

State Reciprocity Agreements
The U.S. Department of Education State Authorization Regulations oversees reciprocity agreements for distance learning. Be advised that not all programs are available to students in all states. The school’s website will specify which states may be excluded.

The School of Public Health was established in 1998 as part of Texas A&M University to address the health needs of Texas. The program has grown to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as #25 Best Graduate Schools in Public Health. Texas A&M is located in College Station, Texas and has an overall enrollment of over 66,000 students.

2. University of North Texas Health Science Center

This is a Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) accredited, online program which offers two educational tracks. The University of North Texas Health Science Center provides Online MPH and Professional MPH. (The Online MPH requires 48 credit hours and tuition is estimated at $16,744 for Texas residents and $39,350 for non residents). Those seeking admission to the Professional MPH track must hold a masters degree and have three years of employment in healthcare. The traditional MPH allows students the opportunity to take elective courses in Global Health or Geographic Information Services.

U.S. News and World Report has given this program a #44 ranking in its Best Graduate Schools in Public Health. Forbes has ranked the University of North Texas #194 in Public Colleges. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, the health center is part of the University of North Texas which was founded in 1890 and has a current enrolled population of over 30,000 students.Program Length: 42-48 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $13,183 (Resident); $33,763 (Non Resident

3. American Military University

An online MPH degree program, holding accreditation from the Counsel on Education in Public Health (CEPH), this program may be completed in two years. The coursework has been developed in cooperation with industry experts and structured to examine key issues in public health. Students will cover social and behavioral aspects of health, policy and ethics, biostatistics, planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs, emergency management, etc. The MPH culminates with a capstone project.

American Military University was established in 1991 by a retired Marine Corps officer to meet the educational opportunities for military personnel. The university was reformed in 2002 into the American Public University System. The university has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its undergraduate programs. Despite its name, the American Military University is not affiliated with the U.S. Military and is a for-profit online school with headquarters in Charles Towne, West Virginia. The school holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

4. University of Southern Maine

This is a hybrid MPH degree requiring on campus attendance. Some coursework is offered “live-at-a-distance”, via Internet and the school’s online technology. There are two concentrations available with this program in health management and a generalist track, following core coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, ethics, a field experience and capstone project. The MPH program holds accreditation from CEPH; and, the health management degree has accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation in Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

The University of Southern Maine dates to 1878 and currently has three campuses in its system in Portland, Lewiston and Gorham, Maine. The university holds accreditation from the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

With a current enrollment of over 8,500 students, Augusta University was founded in 1828 in Augusta, Georgia. The university is a public research university and medical center which has 10 colleges and 141 academic programs. The university holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

6. University of Missouri Mizzou Online

Missouri’s School of Health Professions has a CEPH accredited, online MPH. The program can be finished in two years and prepares students in the principles of public, health, global health perspectives, issues facing U.S. healthcare, community interventions to improve public health, as well as health programs design and implementation. The school offers online military tuition which provides a 10% tuition discount for those who qualify.

The University of Missouri has an enrollment in excess of 35,000 students and has been rated #58 in Public Colleges and in the top 200 America’s Best Value Colleges by Forbes Magazine. U.S. News and World Report ranks Mizzou #111 in its National Universities, #73 Best Colleges for Veterans and #51 in Top Public Schools. Established in 1839, the University of Missouri is located in Columbia.

Program Length: 45 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $19,732

7. Idaho State University

This is the only CEPH accredited MPH in Idaho. Emphasizing community health, the curriculum includes core competencies in public health and requires a thesis or project option for graduation. The eleven core competencies, in which proficiency is expected, include: Applications in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Social and Cultural Perspectives in Public Health, Leadership Policy and Administration, Environmental and Occupational Health, U.S. and Global Health Systems, Technological Applications in Public Health, Public and Community Health, Health Program Planning and Evaluation, Research and Writing in Health and Health Behavior Change Theory and Application.

Calling Pocatello, Idaho home, Idaho State University has an enrollment of over 13,000 students participating in over 250 degree programs. Forbes has ranked Idaho State University #216 in Public Colleges and #220 in Research Universities in the nation.

8. University of South Florida

This online Master of Public Health program holds accreditation from Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) and offers a MPH degree with several online concentration options in Public Health Practice, Global Disaster Management, Infection Control, Epidemiology and Health, Safety, & Environment. Online students are offered a Reduced Rate Program tuition regardless of state of residency. Some state restrictions may apply for admission so students should be certain their state of residency is approved.

The USF College of Public Health was established in 1984 and was the first public health school in the state of Florida. U.S. News and World Report recognizes this program as #16 in its Best Grad Schools in Public Health 2017 ranking; and, the University of South Florida is ranked #243 America’s Best Value Colleges by Forbes Magazine. Located in Tampa, Florida, USF has an enrollment of over 42,000 students.

9. Ferris State University

CEPH accredited, Ferris State University’s College of Health Professions has an online MPH program available. The school also provides a four year accelerated Bachelor of Science Public Health/Master of Science Public Health opportunity for those without a baccalaureate. Besides core curriculum coursework, students will have the opportunity to develop a capstone project. Students will be trained in public health principles, skills and concepts. The MPH may be completed in two years.

Ferris State University was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1884 as an industrial school and has grown from those humble beginnings to an enrollment of over 14,000 students. U.S. News and World Report rates FSU #74 in Regional Universities Midwest, #42 Best Colleges for Veterans and #18 Top Public Schools.

Program Length: 42 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $24,108

10. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, provides an online MPH degree which holds accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. The curriculum applies theories, public health principles and concepts, which also includes elective projects in grant writing, research, community public health projects and others.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University had its beginnings in 1964 and has been recognized by Forbes as #621 in Top Colleges and #387 in Private Colleges. Nova Southeastern University has an enrollment topping 24,000 students and offers over 60 graduate professional degrees.

Program Length: 42 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $24,570

11. University of South Carolina

This MPH prepares students in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior (HPEB). Accredited through CEPH, the online program is designed for those currently working in schools, community agencies, workplaces and health departments. Students will complete core courses in public health, HPEB and courses focused on health promotion, education and behavior. There is a practicum requirement as well as public health practicum fieldwork for this degree. Graduates will be trained to assume leadership roles, analyze and develop public health programs and employ research and evaluation techniques to develop health programs.

Ranked #23 in its Best Graduate Schools in Public Health by U.S. News and World Report and rated #216 America’s Best Value Colleges and #202 Top Colleges by Forbes Magazine. Founded in 1801 as South Carolina College, the University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, South Carolina and has a current enrollment in excess of 33,000 students. The Arnold School of Public Health was established in 1970 and is the only school of public health in the state of South Carolina.

Coming in at #39 on U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools in Public Health and Forbes ranks the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the top 200 of Public Colleges and #529 in the nation’s Top Colleges. Started as a religious school in 1908, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, often referred to as UNO, the school boasts an enrollment exceeding 15,000 students.

Program Length: 45 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $25,200

13. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMASS-Amherst, through it’s School of Public Health and Health Sciences has an online MPH degree which is accredited through the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH). The school offers two tracks in Public Health Practice and one MPH-Nutrition (this program requires 44 credits for an estimated tuition of $27,060). The program includes both core coursework and a research project is required for graduation. Applicants are able to enroll in up to 4 courses prior to admission and grades of B or better may be applied to the MPH degree upon admission. Currently, the program is unable to accept applicants from Alabama and Arkansas.

The School of Public Health and Health Sciences was founded in 1938 and has received a #25 ranking by U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Programs in Public Health recognition. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst had been rated #144 by Forbes as one of America’s Best Value Colleges. The MPH-Nutrition degree offered by UMASS-Amherst is the only one of its kind in the country.

The only accredited School of Public Health in Alabama, U.S. News and World Report ranks this program #19 in its Best Graduate Schools in Public Health rankings and is rated #173 in Forbes’ Public Colleges ranking. Established in
1859 as the Medical College of Alabama, the university has an enrollment over 19,000 students and is part of the University of Alabama System.

15. University of Florida

This MPH program is CEPH accredited and designed exactly like the University of Florida’s traditional Master of Public Health program. Offered through the College of Public Health and Health Professions, the degree has specializations in Public Health Practice and Social and Behavioral Sciences, this degree includes core coursework in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, psychological, behavioral and social issues in public health. Both concentrations require an internship and a special project.

Ranked #30 in Best Graduate Programs in Public Health by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Florida has also been rated #4 America’s Best Value Colleges and #13 in Public Colleges by Forbes Magazine. The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, the school was established in 1856 and has grown to be the #1 university in Florida with over 49,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Program Length: 48 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $26,400

16. Des Moines University

Accredited by CEPH, Des Moines University provides an online MPH through its College of Health Sciences. The college offers three tracks in public health in health promotion, health service management and generalist degrees. This MPH requires online coursework, an internship and culminates with a capstone project.

The Des Moines University was founded in 1898 and is a medical and health sciences institution comprised of three colleges offering graduate degrees. With a student enrollment of 1600 students in eight graduate programs, Des Moines University medical school has been ranked in the top 25% for D.O. or M.D., according to its website; and, is the largest medical school in Iowa.Program Length: 46 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $28,336

17. East Tennessee State University

There are three concentrations for this CEPH accredited, online MPH program, in Community Health, Epidemiology and Health Services Administration. Coursework includes core curriculum studies in public health, in areas such as public health philosophy, biostatistics, social and behavioral foundations in public health before beginning their specialty area studies. Field work experience is required for those concentrating in community health and biostatistics. Students should also be aware that this online program may not be available to all states due to the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and are urged to verify whether they’re state of residency will qualify for this program.

U.S. News and World Report ranks this program #31 in its Best Graduate Schools in Public Health and the university has been rated by Forbes Magazine as #236 in Public Colleges and listed as one of America’s Best Colleges by the Princeton Review. Founded in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1911 as a teacher’s college, ETSU has a current enrollment of over 16,000 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Program Length: 43 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $28,638

18. University at Albany State University of New York (SUNY)

An online MPH degree SUNY at Albany has a concentration in Public Health Practice. The curriculum includes core and concentration courses and a practice-based internship (the school offers a wide variety of allowable practice sites for the internship). This degree focuses on theory and evidence based practice as well as planning and program evaluation. SUNY at Albany holds accreditation for its MPH degree from the Council on Education in Public Health.

SUNY at Albany’s School of Public Health has been recognized as #31 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools in Public Health. SUNY at Albany also rates highly in Forbes’ America’s Best Value Colleges and in its Top Public Colleges. Established in 1985, the School of Public Health participates in a cooperative with the New York State Department of Health.

Program Length: 51 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $30,133

19. University of New England

Accredited by CEPH, UNE offers an online MPH degree designed for working professionals. Studies in this program include public health program development, ethics, leadership, policy, epidemiology, global health as well as financial management and law. This generalist degree may be accomplished in 18 months and includes a practicum which may be completed in the student’s home community.

Located in Biddeford, Maine, the University of New England was founded in 1831 and has over 7,000 enrolled students. The university has been recognized and ranked #80 in U.S. News and World Report’s Regional Universities and #44 Best Colleges for Vets. Forbes Magazine rates UNE in the top 500 Top Colleges in the U.S. and #328 in Private Colleges.

Program Length: 46 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $31,740

20. The University of Illinois-Chicago

The University of Illinois-Chicago provides three online Master of Public Health programs in Community Health Services, Public Health Policy Administration and the only CEPH accredited, online Public Health Informatics (PHI) degree. No campus visits are required for this MPH and capstone projects are required for degree completion. Detailed program information is available through the MPH Handbook provided online.

This degree program comes in #17 in the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking for Best Graduate Schools in Public Health and the university is cited as #20 Top Colleges as ranked by Forbes Magazine. The University of Illinois-Chicago traces its origins to the late 19th century and has an enrollment over 29,000 students and is part of the University of Illinois system.

Program Length: 42 CreditsEstimated Tuition: $31,920

21. West Virginia University

A CEPH accredited program, this university offers a MPH online which concentrates in Social and Behavioral Sciences. The program may be completed in 4 semesters and includes core coursework, electives and culminates with a project proposal, followed by a practicum project and a paper and poster. This MPH is designed for professionals currently working in public health or healthcare field.

WVU ranks #412 in Forbes Top Colleges, #88 in the South and #130 in Public Colleges. Located in Morgantown, WV, WVU was founded in 1867 and has been recognized by Military Times as a Best for Vets college. Over 31,000 students are enrolled at WVU statewide.

22. University of Maryland-College Park

Through the University of Maryland’s Office of Extended Studies, this is an online MPH with a concentration in Public Health Practice. The program may be completed in as few as 2 years and is a hybrid program requiring six-weekends of on site instruction. This degree, which focuses on public health leadership, includes online coursework, on site instruction, internship and capstone project for graduation. The MPH in Public Health Practice is accredited by CEPH.

U.S. News and World Report lists this program #22 in its Best Graduate Programs in Public Health and the university has been cited as #31 in Forbes America’s Best Value Colleges, as well as #82 in Top Colleges. With a current student population of over 38,000 students, the school is located in College Park, Maryland which is a short distance from Washington, D.C.

Program Length: 42 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $32,432

23. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

This is a hybrid Executive MPH program offered through The University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. The program is designed for professionals already holding an advanced degree, such as MD, DVM, DDS, PharmD, etc. The online component for this program is approximately 14 core curriculum credit hours, with the remaining hours of electives being offered at the Public Health Institute during the summer. This program holds CEPH accreditation.

U.S. News and World Report ranks this program #8 in its Best Graduate Programs in Public Health and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is rated #82 America’s Best Value Colleges, #119 Top Colleges and #23 in Public Colleges by Forbes. UM-Twin Cities was founded in 1851 and is the flagship campus for the statewide University of Minnesota.

Length of Program: 42 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $39,144

24. University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

The University of Arizona a Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) accredited, online MPH program which may be completed in two years. This MPH degree provides concentrations in Applied Epidemiology, Health Services Administration and Health Promotion. 50% of the coursework is in the student’s concentration; and, all students are required to complete core curriculum topics in areas such as epidemiology, public health management and environmental and occupational health. Regardless of concentration, students are required to complete 6 credit hours in an internship in the student’s local community.

U.S. News and World Report rates this school’s Public Health program at #25 in its Best Graduate Schools in Public Health and Forbes names it #220 in its Top Colleges ranking. Founded in Tucson, Arizona in 1885 as part of the Morrill Land Grant act, the university has grown to an enrollment of over 42,000 students and is rated 124th in the “National Universities” category by U.S. News & World Report for 2017 as well as 60th in its Top Schools.

Program Length: 42 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $39,990

25. Medical College of Wisconsin

Housed in the college’s Institute for Health and Society, this MPH online program is accredited by the Counsel on Education for Public Health is a generalist program concentrating on ethics, biostatistics, administration, epidemiology, assessment, planning and public health program improvement. This degree also requires field placement and a capstone project.

The Medical College of Wisconsin was founded as the Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1893. The college has an enrollment of 1200 students and is designated as a private medical school located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Program Length: 42 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition: $42,000

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